7 best majors for undecided students

As a teen, you're probably pretty focused on everything going on in your life — tonight's homework, Friday's big football game 🏈, and upcoming activities with your fam and friends. Your next big endeavor — college — can seem pretty far away. But time flies by, and soon enough, you'll be prepping college apps, talking to academic advisors, and deciding on your major.

Selecting a college major is a big decision since it impacts your future career path. However, you may be uncertain about which degree program to choose. That's why we've put together a comprehensive list of the best majors for undecided students. One of these could reveal a hidden passion or lead to your dream job.

Major #1: Business administration

Business administration is a versatile major that's handy for nearly any business job — marketing, accounting, finance, operations, economics, banking, and so many more. The wide array of college career options makes it an optimal choice for students unsure of what they want their working future to look like. It provides fundamental training in core courses like management, marketing principles, business finance, economics, and sales.

With a business administration major, you can work in nearly any industry. Since all companies need people to manage the back end of a business — its marketing strategies, financial accounting, supply chain, and sales — it's possible to work in many fields. The average salary for a business administration major is $69,000, but it can vary based on your location and the job you take.

Major #2: Computer science

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Computer science is a hot and ever-growing field, and it continues to attract technically minded students interested in making a difference in the tech world. Computer skills are increasingly in demand, and with a computer science degree, you can apply the skills you learn to new frontiers like AI and machine learning. 💻 

While many computer science majors end up working for tech firms, others work in IT roles for organizations in various industries, including private firms and government. The average salary for a computer science major is nearly $100,000, making it one of the most well-paying degrees to hold.

Major #3: Psychology

Psychology is attractive to teens who want to learn more about human nature, the brain, and relationships. It teaches students courses in a broad array of topics, including emotions, social science, abnormal psychology, and general mental health. You can apply what you learn to many people-oriented professions, including human resources, counseling, and psychiatry.

Psychology majors earn an average of $50,000 annually, but salaries vary depending on your educational experience and profession. If you have a people-oriented and analytical nature, you may find psychology a rewarding degree.

Major #4: Communications

Communications teaches students the art of public relations — from marketing and advertising to writing and publishing. It's a generalist degree that you can apply in many professions, including digital marketing, event planning, politics, and sales. 

If you enjoy public speaking and persuasion, a communications major may be among the most useful degrees for you. However, not all communications majors are the life of the party — some are more introverted and do well in crafting content or marketing materials.

Communications majors earn an average of $66,240 yearly. A few of the more common communications occupations include news analysts, technical writers, and broadcast technicians. 

Major #5: Engineering

Engineering is an excellent degree program for teens who enjoy math and science. It teaches students how to identify problems and resolve them in many different areas, including technology, product development, and quality control. Engineering majors can select from a variety of fields of study, including biotechnology, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanics. 🧑‍🔧

Some of the education requirements you might encounter in an engineering major include calculus, statistics, chemistry, and biology. If you're attracted to how things work and don't mind diving into details, engineering might be the right choice for you. 

Engineering ranks among the most well-paid among college majors. Depending on your location and chosen field, new grads may earn an average salary of $87,000 or higher. That's much higher than the average wage for all occupations, which stands at around $58,000.

Major #6: Biology

Is science your favorite class? Does the prospect of learning about the way the human body works excite you? Do you envision a career in medicine, anatomy, physiology, or ecology? If so, a biology major should be on your list of majors options. 

Biology students study a variety of fascinating subjects, like genetics, marine biology, and chemistry. Courses focus on the basic structure and building blocks of life — including humans, animals, plants, and fish. Earning your degree in biology can be the precursor to a career in the medical field, or you can specialize in another area of study, like conservation or environmental science. 

The median annual wage of a biology major is around $70,000. Earning an advanced degree can net you an even higher salary and open the door to other job opportunities.

Major #7: Environmental science

Environmental science is an exciting degree that prepares students for careers in ecology, geology, meteorology, physics, and more. ☁️ Students participate in a variety of education courses covering topics like climate change, general biology, and environmental law. Some of the potential careers for environmental science majors include geography, zoology, or environmental specialist. You may find a job with a private company or work for the government in fields like industrial ecology.

Obtaining a degree in environmental science is perfect for teens interested in learning more about animals, plants, and the ecosystem. Starting salaries for an environmental science major hover around $65,000 or more, depending on what career you choose.

Give future you a head start

Being an undecided major may seem a little overwhelming, especially as a teen still figuring out what interests you and where your natural abilities lie. That's totally OK — millions of teens are in the same boat as you. However, learning about the different degrees available early can help prepare you when it comes time to declare your college major. 

With so many different decisions to make, it’s important to take your time with these important choices. Need a break? Visit Greenlight’s Learning Center, which has tons of articles that can guide you in the decision-making process for your career goals.

Check it out and get a head start on the future you envision for ✨ future you. ✨